Not only are people re-thinking their spending and driving habits here in the valley, but people are also cutting back on out of town vacations. With the rising cost of both airline and car travel, people are tuning in to the idea of a "staycation."

Staycation is one of the latest buzz words to emerge from the energy crunch catalyst. The whole idea is to take a vacation but without the high cost of travel, expensive airfare, and hotel accommodations. Simply put, people are staying home and enjoying friends and family indoors and out. They are spending hard earned money on items around the house that they can enjoy for years to come.

The Valley is recognizing that people are starting to jump on the staycation bandwagon. The Arizona hotel industry without fail is hit every summer with their slow season due to the triple digit temperatures and heat warnings that every Arizonian struggles to adjust to. With a little research, many local hotels offer enticing discount rates in order to generate business and it is a safe bet that much of this is from local residents. A long weekend at a local resort could be just the ticket to chill out next to a sparkling pool and sip tropical drinks.

Others are taking it a step further and bringing the tropical resort feel to their own home. It would be surprising to hear that any industry has yet to be affected by the lackluster economic conditions. The pool industry, for instance, has felt its fair share. Pools are considered to be a luxury item, but many families are choosing a new pool as something they can enjoy for years to come instead of a distant vacation memory. By choosing to stay close to home during the warm summer months, families are more easily convinced to invest in such an indulgence. John Neely, of Shasta Pools & Spas, says, "We are discovering that the idea of having a great pool in the backyard that can be enjoyed all year doesn't cost any more annually than a family vacation for a week or two." AAA Magazine quotes an average vacation expense for 2007 of $100 per person, per day (source: Wikianswers.com) so, on a 10-day trip a family of four will spend $4000. Using simple math that equates to just under $340 per month, more than enough to cover an average pool payment.

With depreciating value of the American dollar, going anywhere outside of the country seems nearly impossible for the average American trying to be reasonable and financially practical with their vacation plans. Some are simply taking the time off work, putting time and money into their homes, spending time with their families, or just enjoying what Arizona really has to offer.

Making a day trip to any of the valley lakes, enjoying the sunshine outside by the pool, or visiting any of the local attractions, is what staycationing is really about. Not a bad idea for any Arizonian looking to relax and take some time away from the office.

Labels: arizona, shasta pools, staycation